And so it is. Here’s our inaugural interview to kick off the “Queerying” series where we boomerang some questions (hopefully interesting ones) over to the people we fancy for all sorts of reasons.
We are very pleased to have with us, Dylan Ricci, whose male nude photography work transcends the basic (and perhaps shallow?) premise of pretty boys in white underpants, or mass produced homo-erotica.
Apart from being oh-so-nice to look at, Dylan’s pictures are infused with an emotional intensity, that is real, and pure. The images draw you in tenderly and comfortably and you can stare at them forever. They beautifully articulate the male form without embellishment or distraction. These are the nude pictures you’d hang in your main hall which your granny would approve of, and subsequently drool at.
Dylan was very fun to correspond with and we appreciate his taking his precious time out in answering all our questions at length.
QC: If you must choose, please rank in order of importance:
1) A good camera
2) A good model
3) A good photographer
4) Good lighting
DR: That’s easy a good photographer. Without the ability to create a composition and “see” the beauty in a particular pose, there is no photograph. The camera is last on the list. Good lighting is important, of course, but anyone can learn good lighting. A good model, on the other hand, especially for nude work, is crucial. If I had to rank it would be photographer, model, lighting and camera.
Anything other factors you specifically look for to make a good photograph?
Yes, I am constantly looking for ways to allow people to see a familiar subject from an unusual perspective. I often ask my models to try different and unusual poses in order to stimulate my creative juices to create unusual and interesting compositions.
However, to me the most important thing I look for is simplicity. Although a cliché, I firmly believe that the most beautiful photographs are those that are simple. That is why I generally do not use props.
Describe what an average photo taking session is like.
I usually do not arrange a shoot unless I have some new ideas. I often go for months without taking any images if I am feeling particularly creatively barren.
Prior to the shoot I will make some rough sketches for the poses I would like to try. I usually have two models come to my shoots so I have the choice of differing compositions. New models are always slightly nervous about taking their clothes off so I encourage them to get naked as soon as possible. I offer the models a juice or a beer to get them feeling more comfortable. They often walk around my apartment naked and they seem to relax pretty quickly. Once they’re feeling comfortable, we discuss the ideas I have for the shoot. We test the lighting to see that it works for their skin-type I apply oil to their bodies. I love this part of the shoot!
We then start with the poses I have prepared and often the shoot just develops from there. Sometimes I take 100 photos in a single shoot and don’t get any that I am excited about. Other times, I find that many of the photos are good.
How do you get your models and convince them to pose nude?
I have a few regulars that I originally found at the gym. One thing I’ve found is that guys who are proud of their bodies often have no hang-ups with nudity. They’re happy to pose for the camera and most of them I would classify as borderline fitness freaks which is perfect for me. When I explain to them that I don’t do porn you’d be surprised how many models think this is what I do before I show them examples of my work they are usually very enthusiastic to be involved in helping me create beautiful images of their magnificent physiques. My regulars often have friends who they send to me as well so I am never short of models. I usually interview the models before deciding to shoot them to see whether or not we are compatible and whether their bodies are suitable. As part of the interview I usually ask the models to strip so I can take a look at their body. I’m usually not disappointed by new models because my regulars know the type of physique that I prefer to use for my photographs.
Do the models bring in their own ideas or do you direct the poses, etc
Some models are excellent at coming up with their own ideas. These are the guys who are ultra-comfortable with their bodies and with being nude in front of a complete stranger. I like these models the best. Then there are those who need some direction to get started and then end up being quite creative. The last group are those who have no idea about posing or how to move their bodies to accentuate their best bits for the camera. These guys are exhausting to shoot.
How did you get into photography and when did you realize you’re good at it
Being queer, I’ve always had a fascination for the male body. Also, I am greatly influenced by the depiction of the nude male in the art history of Italy, the country of my birth. I started photographing male friends, most of whom were fitness instructors or athletes, a few years ago and enjoyed it tremendously. I don’t think of myself as particularly good at photography. I simply know what images excite me and I have very firm ideas about what is beautiful.
You mentioned you’re not going into photography full-time. Why?
I could not make a living from it and would hate to have to rely on it to do so. It would bore me to have to take photographs all day. I only enjoy it when I’m in the mood and have good ideas. My photography is best when it is not forced.
Analog or Digital?
Digital. I like seeing the results instantly and showing the models their pictures on the spot. I doubt whether I would have the patience to develop photographs in a traditional darkroom.
Studio or Outdoors?
Studio. I cannot abide pictures of nude men lying in the sand, or draped provocatively over rocks or walking in the woods. It all strikes me as terribly contrived and I have rarely seen an outdoor nude that I like.
Do you do DI on your images? If so, how much of it is post production work?
I only apply a little contrast or color adjustment to suit the mood of a particular image. Otherwise, I do very little post-production.
Your models are all in great shape and fit. Ever photographed skinny guys? Do you think less attractive body figures will make weaker subjects in the expression of the male form?
Yes, I have photographed skinny guys. I think that I make weaker images with skinny guys, but not because thinner bodies make less attractive subjects. I am personally aroused by and attracted to muscular bodies. It is very important that I am sexually attracted to my subjects – for me it creates a sort of tension which makes my images more personal and, in my view, more interesting. I have no desire to take photographs of models that I do not find attractive either sexually or aesthetically.
Will you consider photographing the male in an aroused state? If not, why?
No, not unless the erection was the sole focus of the photo and the model had a huge cock. To me, an erect penis is not particularly artistic in terms of its shape. I find that it often detracts from the photograph because it is too dominant and people tend to focus on it before anything else. I am trying to show people the beauty of the male body and while I don’t disagree that the penis can be beautiful, I am simply not that interested in making it the focus of my photography.
Which was your very first camera?
Canon D30. I now use a Canon 1Ds.
What’s your gear/equipment like? What do you use?
My set up is extremely simple. I have a few softboxes, several hand painted backdrops and my camera. That’s about it and that is all I need. I shoot in my apartment and do not have a “studio” as such. I enjoy taking photographs in the comfort of my home and I love having the models feel comfortable with their surroundings. I also love having hunky men walking around my apartment without their clothes on!
You’re sometimes based in Asia. Which country? How do you like it?
I live most of my time in Bangkok. It’s a hot, crazy and amazing city and I love it. The people are so fantastic and warm. I also spend time in Italy, where I was born, and in Sydney where I grew up.
What is Dylan Ricci like away from the camera? Tell us something which hasn’t been written about you?
What HAS been written about me?
Who would you love to photograph and how would you shoot him/her?
I would like to love to have the opportunity of photographing some of the Bel Ami models. They are such beautiful boys and I think it is such a waste that no really artistic nudes have been made with them. I would try to create tender images of extraordinary artistic beauty.
Which is your favourite photo? Why?
Male Nude 4. This is a wonderful image of a wonderful model. He died in a motorcycle accident not long after the photograph was taken. He had a great artistic sensibility that allowed me to create beautiful images.
Any future and exciting plans we should know of?
Some of my images have recently appeared in an exhibition in Miami called “The Pictures We Never Hangâ€? and I was very excited about participating. I have some images being published in Reed Massengillâ’s new book “Self-Exposure: The Male Nude Self Portrait” (published by Rizzoli International) and “Male Nudes Index” being published by Feierabend Verlag.
Tell us something Queer about yourself.
I sometimes wear rust colored lipstick to work.
What makes you Click?
QueerClick!
QC: Thanks! What a politically correct answer! Now we have one more reason to like you!
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